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In vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity of Calotropis procera stem extracts
Hemerson I F Magalhães1, Paulo M P Ferreira, Eraldo S Moura
1Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará Campus do Porangabussu, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil. hemersoniury@yahoo.com.br <hemersoniury@yahoo.com.br>
Abstract:
The cytotoxic potential of stem organic extracts from Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) was firstly evaluated against cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Subsequently, samples considered cytotoxic were tested for antimitotic activity on sea urchin egg development and for in vivo antiproliferative activity in mice bearing Sarcoma 180 tumor. Among the five extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol), ethyl acetate and acetone extracts displayed higher cytotoxic potential against tumor cells, with IC50 ranging from 0.8 to 4.4 microg/mL, while methanolic extract was weakly cytotoxic. Cytotoxic extracts also exhibited cell division inhibition capacity by antimitotic assay, revealing IC50 values lower than 5 microg/mL. In the in vivo antitumor assessments, ethyl acetate- and acetone-treated animals showed tumor growth inhibition ratios of 64.3 and 53.1%, respectively, with reversible toxic effects on liver and kidneys. Further studies are in progress in order to identify C. procera cytotoxic compound(s) and to understand the mechanism of action responsible for this tumor-decreasing potential.
Insights
Calotropis procera stem extracts show significant cytotoxic potential against cancer cell lines. Promising ethyl acetate and acetone extracts demonstrated antitumor activity in vivo, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Natural products are a rich source of potential anticancer agents.
- Calotropis procera is a medicinal plant with traditional uses, but its cytotoxic potential requires scientific validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of Calotropis procera stem extracts.
- To assess the antimitotic effects and in vivo antitumor efficacy of promising extracts.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay against cancer cell lines.
- Antimitotic activity was evaluated on sea urchin egg development.
- In vivo antiproliferative activity was tested in mice bearing Sarcoma 180 tumor.
Main Results:
- Ethyl acetate and acetone stem extracts exhibited significant cytotoxicity (IC50: 0.8–4.4 µg/mL).
- These extracts demonstrated antimitotic activity (IC50 < 5 µg/mL) and inhibited tumor growth in vivo by 64.3% and 53.1%, respectively.
- Reversible toxic effects on liver and kidneys were observed in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Calotropis procera stem extracts, particularly ethyl acetate and acetone, possess significant cytotoxic and antitumor properties.
- Further research is needed to isolate active compounds and elucidate their mechanism of action.